Thursday, May 28, 2026 -At least 16 students have d!ed after a massive fire tore
through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Gilgil,
Kenya, in a tragedy that has shocked the country.
The fire is said to have broken out at around 1 am and was
reported at approximately 3.30 am on Thursday, according to the Kenya Red
Cross.
Dozens of other students injured were rushed to the hospital
after the pre-dawn blaze engulfed the packed dormitory housing more than 200
learners.
Emergency teams were deployed after the blaze broke out at
the school, with at least 15 students initially feared de@d.
Police later said the number of fatalities is estimated at
about 16, while an unknown number of injured students were rushed to various
medical facilities with injuries of varying severity and are reported to be in
stable condition.
In a statement, Kenya Red Cross said: “Following a fire
incident reported at around 3:30am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County,
Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response.”
They added: “Our first responders, @EMS_Kenya ambulance crew
and our psychosocial support personnel are currently on the ground supporting
affected students alongside other responders and relevant authorities
Response operations are ongoing as emergency teams assess
the situation and support affected students. Authorities have not yet released
further details as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
President William Ruto has mourned the students who lost
their lives.
In a statement on Thursday, the President said the country
was united in grief with families, teachers, and students affected by the
devastating fire.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost
their beloved daughters in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in
Gilgil,” Ruto said.
“No words can truly ease the pain of losing young lives
filled with promise, hope, and dreams for the future.”
The President said the government’s immediate focus was on
rescuing those affected, ensuring treatment for the injured, and supporting
families impacted by the incident.
“Our immediate attention is focused on the rescue of those
affected, the treatment of the injured, and support for their families, while
investigations continue into the cause of the fire. As a nation, we mourn with
the parents, guardians, teachers, and fellow students who are enduring this
unimaginable tragedy,” he said.
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